While taking a course last semester I started rethinking my homework policy. I know that I am not alone in this constant struggle of students not turning in homework, and thinking of what is the point of the assignment. I wanted to change up the way I assigned work and after following a few discussions on Twitter which were suggesting the same, I pulled the trigger for this year. We are now nine weeks in, and my homework assignments are much fewer, but far more meaningful. I decided I would assign one chapter assignment a week, but with a lot less structure on what the final product should look like, but with more focus on what I want the students to learn. I decided I would use my essential questions to determine the questions of the homework. I went through the chapter and picked a few terms that were most important. No more mindlessly copying vocabulary for my students.
The results have been amazing. I am getting so many great assignments. The students are coming up with ideas I have never even dreamed of myself. I have had students create videos, comic strips, animation videos, Pokemon trading cards, write letters personifying events, create brochures and utilize more technology then I could've ever hoped for. The rate of students turning in work is much higher than in my previous 9 years of teaching.
I have attached a few examples of my assignments. Please comment on what you think.
American History Chapter 1
Economics Chapter 1
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